CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (May 13, 2015) — KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex invites guests to experience the thunderous roar of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket on Wednesday, May 20, as it lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the U.S. Air Force’s X-37B space plane on a national defense mission. The launch viewing window begins at 10:45 a.m. EDT.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers the closest public viewing of the launch with four launch viewing areas available: the NASA Causeway, LC-39 Observation Gantry and Apollo/Saturn V Center located within the secured areas of Kennedy Space Center, and a viewing area located at the main Visitor Complex. Each of the locations offers thrilling viewing experiences:

NASA Causeway:

The NASA Causeway includes an exclusive, up-close view of the rocket on the launch pad and during liftoff. This is an outdoor viewing site with no covered viewing.LNASA Causeway are available forin addition to admission. Purchase tickets at KennedySpaceCenter.com or call 855-456-6200.

LC-39 Observation Gantry: Sold Out

LC-39 Observation Gantry offers a premium, up-close view of the rocket on the launch pad and during liftoff. Guests can feel the force of the launch and hear the roar of the engines from the launch pads at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This area features lawn and bleacher seating and live launch commentary. The package includes launch transportation, a light snack and a souvenir T-shirt. LLC-39 Observation Gantry are available for in addition to admission. To purchase tickets, call 855-475-8415.

Apollo/Saturn V Center:

The Apollo/Saturn V Center is located within Kennedy Space Center and features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the scenic Banana River. Live launch commentary, food and retail are available for purchase and indoor restroom facilities are available. This viewing opportunity is included with daily admission.

Space Shuttle AtlantisSM:

Located at the main Visitor Complex, viewing adjacent to Space Shuttle Atlantis is included with daily admission. The viewing area offers guests a view of the rocket once it clears the tree line. Bleacher seating and live launch commentary are provided.

Buses from the Visitor Complex will transport guests directly to the Apollo/Saturn Center from
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or until capacity is reached, and to the NASA Causeway and the LC-39 Observation Gantry beginning at 8:30 a.m. Buses for LC-39 Observation Gantry will board from the Rocket Garden; buses to the NASA Causeway will board next to Early Space Exploration. The launch window opens at 10:45 a.m. EDT.

The X-37B is designed to launch like a satellite and land like an airplane. In 2012, it broke the record for the longest mission of a reusable space vehicle after a 469-day mission. Air Force Space Command-5 (AFSPC-5) marks the 54th launch of an Atlas V rocket since its first mission in 2002.

Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Please note, launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change. Launches can be affected by technical and mechanical issues as well as range operations and weather, either in advance or at the last minute.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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